JJ's Place — Restaurant in West Columbia

The week I arrived in Columbia, still unpacking, navigating new city chaos, and yet to make a trip to so much as the grocery store, was the week I happened upon JJ’s stand at Soda City Market, where it dawned on me—you know what I really need is some bread.

I’d already ordered when I remarked to myself (or so I thought) that I did not have a knife to cut the bread I was in the process of buying. Not only did these lovely fine people not judge me for talking out loud to myself, but they offered to cut my bread for me, which I am here to say is an offer I am very glad I took them up on.

It’s the best thing since sliced bread, and that is a pun I intended to make and a statement I am not unqualified to speak to. You don’t have to take my word for that though—it goes without saying that the bread is phenomenal. Anyone who has tried to purchase a loaf of the jalapeño cheddar past 11 AM on a Saturday at Soda City can tell you people like their bread, and you better get there earlier if you want some. My father, a lifelong critic and self-appointed Portnoy of all things loaf-related, travels 50 minutes to the busiest bakery in Savannah every single week only to come home and complain about how good the bread is in New York compared to anything that he has ever tasted anywhere else.

I did not expect when I convinced him to buy a loaf of JJ’s rosemary sourdough, that I would get a call from Hilton Head to place an order for on my way down for my next visit to see them. If you’re looking for a better endorsement, you won’t find one. This guy, I’m convinced, goes out looking to taste bread only for the reason of pointing out how good the bread was back in 1962 when Queens was overrun with Italian people and food.

For me, there’s more than bread going on here. As a local business and what kind you want in your community for what they contribute—these are the people. As I have just stated, their bread sells out regardless. They had no reason or incentive to go above and beyond to cut my bread for me that day or every day that I have placed an order the day before the market ever since—& that is something they continue to do. To double down on the point, you’ll notice this review is being left before their official opening—and that is because they also made and allowed me to come by the store before to pick up the bread my dad wanted on my way to see him.

JJ’s is the rare business that sees you, remembers you, and treats you like more than just another transaction. These are people that care about their customers. & As luck would have it , their customers are us, the local community of Columbia.

To date, I have never bought a loaf of bread anywhere else, I still don’t own a bread knife, and I don’t intend to do either. With the opening of their brick and mortar, Columbia just hit the bread lottery. Go with confidence—JJ’s will have your most critical family members impressed with you, and you’ll be impressed with your self for using your “dough” to support this business. Five stars is not enough for...

So, you're looking for a local bakery. But you want the bread to be fresh, soft, buttery, and a delicious crust? Wait, you also want some of the best scones for miles and miles? Wait, you also want some flaky, sweet turnovers? Cookies and bagels too? Well, wake the heck up, you need to get down to JJ's before they sell out for the day. This place is fantastic and has a cozy, warm inviting atmosphere that encourages you to take a load off, have some delicious baked goods, a cup of coffee, and some of the nicest, kindest people you could ever meet. If you're looking at this, get up and go here. If you're having second thoughts, stop thinking and go. If you don't want to come here, you're lying to yourself, get over...

Went for the second time today and got a traditional sourdough, cinnamon swirl, cinnamon roll, and scone. Previously have tried and loved the pumpernickel and brown bread. Andrew and everybody working there have been so polite and willing to help you get what you want!

I cannot say enough good things about the cinnamon roll. Imagine a Pillsbury cinnamon roll but homemade with love. It’s was truly so perfectly balanced in flavor and texture. I will be thinking about it for a long time.

Everything at JJ’s is delicious but that cinnamon roll is going to stick with me for...